My Refrigerator Won't Start

Refrigerator troubleshooting may save you an expensive repair.

Refrigerators are usually reliable machines and can last for several years without breakdown as long as they are regularly cleaned and maintained. When problems do arise, it is usually due to improper care of the unit. A refrigerator that does not run may suffer from any number of issues --- some minor, others that require professional repair. But before you call a service technician, you can try to troubleshoot the problem on your own.

Things You'll Need

• Spare appliance

Instructions

1. Pull the fridge out from the wall and check to make sure it is plugged in.

2. Unplug the fridge and plug in a spare appliance to see if the outlet is working. Check the circuit breaker to the house if the outlet is not working to see if there are any fuses that are flipped.

3. Inspect the electrical cord for the refrigerator for damage, such as from a mouse or pet chewing on it.

4. Open the fridge to see if the light turns on. The power to the unit is fine if the light turns on, which means something else is the cause of the starting issue.

5. Turn up the thermostat on the inside of the fridge if it is set to a low setting. Turn it all the way up and listen for the condenser motor to start. Have the unit serviced by a professional if it does not.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Repair a Refrigerator
• Acme How-to: Refrigerator Troubleshooting Guide
• Repair Clinic: Refrigerator Troubleshooting